5 Tips for Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer

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5 Tips for Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are in a position where you need a lawyer, deciding where to start looking can feel overwhelming. No one wants to get stuck with a bad attorney. There are many people out there practicing law, and making the right choice could make all the difference to the outcome of your case. Let this guide give you the starting point you need to find the right lawyer for your defense.

How to Find a Criminal Lawyer

Tip 1: Location Matters

If you’re searching for the perfect lawyer, remember that location is very important. Each state—and sometimes each county— has its own way of running things. Laws vary greatly from state to state, so securing a local lawyer should be a priority. An attorney who knows the ins and outs of the local courts can give you a leg up in defending your case. 

Tip 2: Type of Lawyer Is Important

From criminal law to family law, every lawyer has their own specialty. By looking at an attorney’s chosen area of law, you can be sure you are picking the right one. While an estate planning lawyer can help you leave a legacy, only a criminal defense lawyer can keep you out of prison if you’re facing a felony.  

Tip 3: Trust Your Gut

Trust is very important when you’re working with an attorney, and many cases take time to resolve, so it is important to have respect for your lawyer and vice versa. While respect is important, so is feeling confident in their ability to represent you. Open communication goes a long way in helping to build trust between you and your lawyer. If you feel like a lawyer does not respect you or that you cannot trust them, you should look for another one. This goes both ways, as an attorney may decide they no longer wish to represent a client

Tip 4: Track Record

Whatever your charge is, you want a lawyer who is known to get the job done. Look for testimonials or referrals from prior clients or other lawyers. Oftentimes, family or friends can be a great resource in finding a good attorney. There are also many sites online that will help refer you to the right lawyer for your case.

Tip 5: Experience 

Now that you have narrowed down your choices to attorneys in your area that you can trust, looking at their experience is the next step. Experience is very important because a lawyer who has been practicing for many years knows how to navigate the court system better than anyone else. If you can find a lawyer with a good track record and significant experience, you have a much better chance of winning.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix 

If you are looking for an experienced, successful criminal defense lawyer in the Phoenix area, look no further. Not only does Todd Coolidge have glowing testimonials from previous clients, but with over 25 years of experience in criminal defense, he could be the difference between spending your time with your family or spending time in prison. Contact us today to request a consultation on your case.

 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/4/23). Photo by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash.